Key Takeaways
- Former banker turned AI builder uses tools like Cursor and v0 to prototype products herself
- Helped GoTiger reach €150,000 revenue in first month through rapid experimentation approach
- Bridges gap between product strategy and technical execution in Europe's risk-averse startup culture
Why It Matters
Linda Dao represents something genuinely refreshing in the AI space: a product leader who actually builds stuff instead of just talking about building stuff. While most executives are busy crafting PowerPoints about AI transformation, she's out there vibecoding (yes, that's apparently a thing now) and shipping actual products using tools that didn't exist five minutes ago. Her transition from banking to hands-on AI development mirrors a broader shift where the gap between "having an idea" and "launching a product" is shrinking faster than attention spans on social media.
What makes Dao's approach particularly noteworthy is how she's challenging Europe's traditionally cautious startup culture, where failure is often treated like a contagious disease. Her philosophy of building fast and failing faster isn't just Silicon Valley bravado—it's backed by actual results, like helping GoTiger hit €150,000 in revenue within a month. This kind of rapid iteration and user-focused experimentation is becoming essential as AI tools democratize product development, allowing non-technical founders to prototype and test ideas without waiting months for engineering resources.
The broader implication here is that we're witnessing the emergence of a new breed of product manager—one who doesn't just manage roadmaps but actively builds and ships products. As AI tools continue to lower technical barriers, the distinction between strategists and builders is blurring, potentially reshaping how we think about product leadership entirely. Dao's success suggests that the future belongs to those who can seamlessly blend strategic thinking with hands-on execution, making her a compelling case study for anyone trying to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
